Acodin, a cough medicine, in doses prescribed by a doctor, inhibits troublesome cough. When taken in larger amounts, it acts like a drug - it causes euphoria and hallucinations. Acodin in high doses leads to poisoning and even death.

What is Acodin and how does it work?

Acodin , an over-the-counter cough medicine, can be found in teenagers' personal belongings and in their various lockers. If Acodin is also in your home, even though no one is coughing, there is nothing to worry about.

Acodin works like a drug , because it contains a substance that acts on the nervous system. Teenagers use it to cheer themselves up and experiment with unusual sensations. Used in this wayAcodin is addictive , it is also dangerous to he alth.

Acodin - why it can be addictive

Acodin contains dextromethorphan hydrobromide. Dextromethorphan is a substance similar in action to codeine (i.e. methylmorphine - a constituent of opium). It travels from the bloodstream to the brain and affects the functioning of the central nervous system.

In antitussive therapy it is a therapeutic effect - dextromethorphan inhibits the nerve stimuli causing the cough reflex. But the same substance, taken in doses higher than recommended by the doctor, becomes a psychoactive substance, i.e. a drug.

It alters the secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain (dopamine and serotonin), changes sensory experience, causes unnatural mental states, and is physically and mentally addictive.

Acodin - what happens after taking large doses

The drug may cause euphoria, a feeling of bliss, unusual sensations and hallucinations. It also often causes agitation and talkativeness. Such action of Acodin is desired by people hungry for strong, unusual sensations. But like most psychoactive substances, the dextromethorphan in Acodina does not always work the same in one person, and it has different effects on different people. It can cause anxiety, severe anxiety and panic attacks, as well as imbalance and ataxia.

The so-called bad trip - when instead of pleasant sensations an amateur experiences strong anxiety, he has delusions of life threatening, a feeling of alienation, detachment from his own body and loss of identity. Dextromethorphan also causes histamine releasethe body, so after taking it, you can suffer from severe itching of the skin.

Child takes Acodin - what to do?

First, don't underestimate the problem. But also not to react violently: by a row with anger or the use of violence, because it only makes matters worse. The best method is to try to connect with your baby, listen to him calmly, even if he or she says he just wants to experience something extraordinary through drugs.

Reading between the lines, sometimes the various shocking things that the child tells indicate something he longs for, which he needs emotionally. You also need to be alert to the child's attempts to manipulate. It is best to immediately contact an organization dealing with addicted children and consult a specialist who will advise you on how to deal with such situations.

Important

As of July 1, 2015, only one package of over-the-counter medication containing pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan or codeine can be purchased. Moreover, the pharmacist may dispense a drug containing any of these substances only to an adult. In addition, it may refuse to sell it if it considers that the drug may be used for non-medical purposes or pose a threat to he alth and life.

Category:

Psychology